Keep the freezer in the upright position. If transporting it in an upright position is not possible, lay it down on the compressor side of the unit. Be careful to secure the door to prevent it from opening.
Moving the freezer: When moving the freezer, do not tilt it more than a 45-degree angle, whenever possible. Possible damage to the sealed system could occur. Transport the freezer in an upright position.
Compressor
Usually located at the lower-back of the freezer, the compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, working together with the condenser coils.
If it is transported upright, wait at least two to three hours before plugging it in. If transported on its side, turn it upright and let it stand for at least four hours.
Transporting Your Refrigerator
If laying the refrigerator down cannot be avoided, here are some things to consider depending on the type of refrigerator being transported: Top-Freezer models: Lay it on the side opposite the hinges so the door will remain closed. Side-by-Side models: Lay it on the freezer side.
Can you lay a refrigerator down to transport it? Never lay a refrigerator on its front or back as it could cause damage. It is advised to strap it standing upright to the side of a moving truck or other tall truck. If the refrigerator must be laid down, only do so on the left or right side.
If you've ever moved a fridge freezer, or even bought one brand new, you'll know that you are meant to give them time to settle once they've been put back down again. Waiting 24 hours before plugging in your fridge prevents compressor damage and ensures proper oil circulation.
Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.
It is important to leave your fridge to settle after moving to protect the appliance's internal parts and to ensure that the fridge continues to work to maximum efficiency. When moving a fridge, the compressor oil can leak into the refrigeration system, causing a blockage if the appliance is turned on too quickly.
Upon initial installation or when the settings on the temperature controls are changed, it usually takes 24 hours for an upright or chest freezer to reach the proper temperature.
A refrigerator should really only be transported in an upright position. If you are deciding how to transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck, trailer or moving truck, remember that it's best to keep the refrigerator upright, and rent or borrow a vehicle that will allow for that positioning.
Too Much or Too Little Load. A low load on the refrigerator's evaporator and a heavier load in the refrigerating chamber can both lead to issues with the compressor. Running an empty fridge for a longer period of time and having a lot of ice in the freezer chamber are oftentimes to blame.
Tips for safe layout
Avoid Heat Sources: Place your fridge freezer away from radiators, ovens, and direct sunlight. These heat sources can negatively impact the appliance's performance and safety. Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Leave sufficient space around the fridge for proper air circulation.
When can I put food in my new fridge freezer? You can put food in your new fridge freezer after letting it settle for 4 hours if it was transported on its side or 1 hour if it was transported upright. After this amount of time you're absolutely fine and safe to put your food in your new fridge freezer.
What does “garage ready” freezer mean? A garage ready freezer can handle hot or cold outdoor temperatures while maintaining an optimal temperature inside. Garage ready freezers can be kept in a garage of any temperature from 0°F to 110°F without malfunctioning.
A full freezer will hold a safe temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed). Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F (4°C) or below, however, its quality may suffer. Never taste food to determine its safety.
When laid on its side, ensure that the process tubes (the ones that pipe the refrigerant around) are on the upside when laying down. This will ensure that the oil does not "leave" the compressor. Do NOT transport or lay a fridge or freezer on its back. This will likely damage the parts even if they are not visible.
Set it upright in its final location and allow the freezer to sit for the same amount of time that it was on its side (24 hours maximum). Do not plug the unit into the electrical receptacle without allowing this settling time. The appliance can be damaged if it is plugged in prematurely.
How long can you leave a freezer unplugged? A freezer that remains unused for more than a year may develop some issues. To counteract this, consider running the freezer periodically, even if it's empty. This practice helps maintain an optimal internal temperature and prevents the compressor from becoming stagnant.
As you move, avoid placing an upright freezer on its side or a chest freezer on its back unless absolutely necessary. If you have to lay it down, do so on its compressor side and for as little time as possible, according to GE Appliances.
The following food should be tossed if the frozen food has been exposed to temperatures that have reached 40 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for more than two hours: Meat, poultry and seafood. Soups, stews and casseroles. Dairy and egg products.
Fridge temperature settings are generally numbered from 1 to 5, with 5 being the coldest. A fully stocked fridge may need to be set to a higher setting (around 3 or 4), whereas one with more space is best suited to temperature setting 2 or 3.
Do Not Keep the Fridge Open Unnecessarily. This applies to both new and old fridges. Anyway, make sure that you are not keeping the fridge open for too long as warm air will enter the fridge. It will put extra pressure on the compressor since the component will need to give more effort to keep the fridge cool.
The oil in a refrigerator protects the appliance's parts, working to ensure that the appliance does not break down or deteriorate when in constant use. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on.
The ideal freezer temperature
The ideal temperature for most household freezers is 0°F (-18°C) or lower. At this temperature, food can be safely stored for an extended period without compromising its quality.